Published:Saturday, 2 May 2026, at 9:22 pm| Dubai |Edited:Saturday, 2 May 2026, at 10:22 pm
The UAE Ministry of Education has recently updated the academic calendar, providing clarity on the upcoming long break for students. Let us explore the detailed schedule of the school holiday and exam dates in this comprehensive guide.
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UAE School Holiday 2026: Students to Enjoy Extended 9 Day Break
A detailed breakdown of the extended break combining mid term and Eid holidays.
The UAE Ministry of Education has officially confirmed that the mid term break for the third semester will coincide with the Eid Al Adha holidays. This school holiday is scheduled to take place from May 25 to May 29, 2026.
Since the weekends fall on May 23-24 and May 30-31, students and staff will benefit from a continuous nine day period away from classrooms. This strategic timing allows the academic community to recharge before the high pressure final assessment phase begins.
Understanding the UAE Academic Calendar 2026
Key dates for the resumption of classes and the upcoming mock examination schedule.
Following the long school holiday, students are expected to return to their schools on June 1, 2026. This period marks the final stretch of the third semester. To ensure students are well prepared for their year end goals, the ministry has scheduled mock exams on June 15 and 16.
These internal assessments serve as a crucial benchmark for students before they face the official final examinations later in the month.
Eid Al Adha 2026 and Islamic New Year
Projected dates for religious holidays and their impact on the school schedule.
The exact dates for the Eid Al Adha 2026 break depend on the sighting of the crescent moon, which is expected to occur on May 17. Current projections suggest that Eid Al Adha will likely fall on Wednesday, May 27, or Thursday, May 28.
Additionally, the Islamic New Year holiday is marked for June 17, 2026. This provides a brief one day pause just as students prepare to begin their final term exams.
Final Exam Dates and Academic Year End
Important deadlines for the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.
The Ministry of Education has set a clear roadmap for the end of the academic journey. After the mid term school holiday, the focus shifts entirely to assessments.
- Final Term Exams: June 24 to July 3, 2026.
- Last Day of School: July 3, 2026.
By July 3, the 2025-2026 academic year will officially conclude, leading into the summer vacation.
Flexibility in Private School Calendars
How Sharjah and other private schools manage additional leave and wellbeing.
While the UAE Ministry of Education sets the primary framework, private schools often have a degree of flexibility. For instance, in Sharjah, school principals can grant up to three additional days of leave at their discretion.
Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, noted that if an official holiday ends on a Wednesday, schools might declare Thursday a holiday to bridge the gap to the weekend. This ensures student wellbeing and provides a structured catch up plan after the school holiday concludes.
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Important Points for Parents and Students
A quick summary of what to expect during the final months of the semester.
- The school holiday provides a vital mental health break before final exams.
- Instructional time remains a priority despite regional geopolitical discussions.
- Parents should monitor official moon sighting announcements for exact Eid dates.
- Mock exams in mid June are mandatory for most curriculum structures.
- The UAE school news suggests that the calendar remains fixed to protect academic catch up plans.
Conclusion
The upcoming school holiday in May 2026 is a welcome announcement for the academic community in the UAE. By aligning the mid term break with Eid Al Adha, the authorities have ensured a balanced schedule that prioritizes both cultural celebration and academic preparation. As students enjoy their school holiday, the focus remains on finishing the year with strong exam results.
FAQ
1. When does the 9 day school holiday start? The break officially begins on May 25, 2026, but including the preceding weekend, students stay home starting May 23.
2. When is the last day of the 2026 academic year? The UAE Ministry of Education has set July 3, 2026, as the final day of school for students.
3. Will there be a holiday for the Islamic New Year? Yes, the Islamic New Year holiday is expected to fall on June 17, 2026.
4. Can private schools add extra days to the Eid break? Yes, principals have the discretion to add up to three additional days, provided they inform the relevant authorities like SPEA or KHDA.
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